Mechanical restraint for enduring risk primarily refers to the use of bedrails or cot sides. The use of these devices can be a safety measure for people who may be at risk of serious injury as a result of falling out of bed, or as a result of their posture and positioning needs.
However, they can also be a restrictive practice if they are used incorrectly. The decision to use such devices must be prescribed and signed off by a consultant psychiatrist and it is the registered proprietor’s responsibility to put systems in place to oversee each individual use of these devices, and to maintain all of the information prescribed in the Mental Health Commission's Rules Governing the Use of Mechanical Means of Bodily Restraint.
Under these Rules, approved mental health centres are required to submit two 6-monthly reports, to the Mental Health Commission, on the use of mechanical means of bodily restraint for enduring risk of harm to self or others. The results of the 6-monthly reports are published in the Commission's annual Restrictive Practices activity reports. The Rules are assessed on each approved centre annual inspection, and compliance with the Rules are published in annual inspection reports of each approved centre and in the Mental Health Commission's Annual Report which address overall national compliance.
